IPL 2019 – Qualifier 2: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals – CSK Predicted Playing XI

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) wings have been cut. At one point they were soaring way above everyone and now, suddenly find themselves in a desperate situation. The MS Dhoni-led side has lost five out of their last seven games, including the first Qualifier.

They were beaten in their own game of spin by Mumbai Indians (MI) in that first Qualifier at the Chepauk. The batsmen haven’t stood up and the over-reliance on MS Dhoni has not helped them either. However, finishing on top two gives an advantage and hence, CSK get a second chance to qualify for the final.

They play the in-form and confident Delhi Capitals at Visakhapatnam in the second Qualifier. The pitch here (as seen from the Eliminator) did take a turn and that does play into CSK’s strength. Hence, here is a look at their predicted XI for the second qualifier.

Openers (Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis)

Shane Watson seems to be struggling big time. He’s just not able to get runs. He might’ve aggregated 268 runs this season but that’s largely come from one knock of 96. What it’s done is it has also put some bit of pressure on Faf du Plessis who has looked like the team’s second-best batsman.

However, Watson is a big-match player and he showed in the final last year when he scored that scintillating ton to take CSK to the title. Meanwhile, du Plessis has blown hot and cold. But he still looks the most confident player in the top three.

Middle-order (Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Murali Vijay, MS Dhoni)

Suresh Raina got a couple of the fifties to end the group stages. However, he played a poor shot to get out in the first Qualifier. Apart from those couple of knocks of 59 and 53, the CSK vice-captain has struggled. And so, has Ambati Rayudu. The 33-year-old batsman may have scored an unbeaten 42 in the last game helping CSK stabilize their innings but once he was set the final flourish never came. He struggled to get the big shots away, just like he’s struggled throughout the season.

Murali Vijay replaced the injured Kedar Jadhav in the last game. He did look good while he was in the middle. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni once again did well at the death for CSK helping them reach a respectable total. He’s done it all season and the onus will once again be on him to provide the finish at the back end.

Also read: IPL 2019 – Qualifier 2: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals – DC Predicted Playing XI

All-rounders (Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja)

Both Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja haven’t had the opportunity to bat a lot this season. In fact, Bravo has walked out to bat in 7 innings and Jadeja has batted in 8 innings. Jadeja has looked in decent touch whenever he’s got the chance, but Bravo looks a pale shadow of himself.

With the ball, Jadeja has been really good. He’s been economical and has picked up 13 wickets this season. Bravo is not having the best of seasons and has tended to leak a lot of runs. However, both Jadeja and Bravo are very important for the balance of this side.

Bowlers (Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir)

Deepak Chahar continues to do well and create an impact. In the last game, he dismissed Rohit Sharma off the second ball. He’s done well throughout the tournament with the new ball and has shown he can be effective at the death too.

Harbhajan Singh has taken the most number of wickets in the powerplay this season. The veteran off-spinner continues to make the ball talk and has been a huge advantage for CSK as he bowls with the new ball. Imran Tahir has done exceptionally well and is second on the list of leading wicket-takers this IPL.

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